The download is free for those States-based users from the Google Play store, while those purchasing the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4 will also receive access to the service in due course.

Facebook has said the limited roll out is to ensure it works as advertised on the first run of phones, but has confirmed more devices, including tablets, will be part of a wider release in the coming weeks and months.

Facebook is yet to confirm when Home will be available internationally, but it is not expected to be too long before it arrives on UK shores.

The launch also comes on the day the HTC First, which has Facebook Home built-in, arrives in the United States. That particular handset is expected to be an EE exclusive when it arrives on UK shores this summer.

Facebook Home is the social network’s effort to dominate the user’s mobile experience. The UI is dominated by the Coverfeed which constantly refreshes with full-screen photos, posts and status updates from friends.